25 Makeup Tips for Beginners

When you’re first learning how to apply makeup, it can seem very overwhelming. There are so many choices and so many ways to do things, that if you aren’t careful, you could end up looking more like a clown than the gorgeous woman you are. In this article, we’ve compiled the very best makeup tips for beginners. From how to enhance your best features to seasoned pro tricks, you’ll have all the know-how on how to create your best look!

Discover Your Complexion

When considering how to do your makeup, take a good look at your complexion. What is your skin tone? Women with olive skin tones will need a completely different set of makeup shades then women with fair skin tones. The next question is: what is your skin type? Women with oily skin should use different makeup then women with dry skin for the best results possible. Any other complexion variances such as acne, freckles or skin pigmentation are all things that different types of makeup can help to subdue.

Remember to Moisturize

Moisturizing is arguably the single most important aspect to your makeup regimen. Applying it in upward strokes helps to ward off fine lines and sagging skin. Leaving your skin dehydrated makes it not only susceptible to damage and free radicals, but also makes it harder for it to repair and regenerate itself. Try adding moisturizing to your daily beauty routine no matter what skin type you have. Take some time and find the ideal match for oily, dry, combination or sensitive skin. Also, consider using one that has SPF protection to keep your skin safe from the damaging rays of the sun. When you use a moisturizer that is ideal for your skin, you will see a difference in your skin’s health, smoothness and suppleness.

Using Primer

Primer is a great step before foundation because it adds a barrier between the skin and makeup which helps to keep your skin healthier. They help to keep the talc from sucking the moisture out of your skin or clogging up your pores. Many primers actually contain skin soothing botanicals to refresh the skin too. Another fantastic feature of a primer is that it helps to keep your makeup in place even during hot weather when it can be prone to melting.

Makeup Shades

Choosing the right shade of makeup is absolutely essential for enhancing your natural beauty. Use in-store testers or ask for samples you can take home to really see what each shade looks like. Foundation colors are notorious for looking different inside the bottle than they do on the skin. To avoid a makeup mishap, try testing the color on your neck. This is a great way to get an accurate color read because the neck usually doesn’t get as much sun and is closer to your natural skin tone than your face can be. Ideally, have a lighter shade for the colder months and a slightly darker shade for the warmer months. That way, if you need to mix the shades to find the exact match, it’s possible.

Powder Vs. Liquid

Unlike moisturizer, when you apply foundation or powder, it’s much better to apply it in a downward motion. This helps to blend into the neck and reduce the appearance of any bit of peach fuzz. Liquid foundations are ideal for creating a blank slate for makeup application. They can range from light to full coverage and can hide almost any skin imperfection. Powder foundations are a beautiful way to create a matte canvas to start with. As a general rule, liquid tends to be a better option for dry skin and powder tends to be a better option for oily skin.

Bronzer

When you’re starting out with makeup, be careful with bronzer. It’s easy to over apply and end up looking orange. Start by finding the right shade for you. A good bronzer is usually about 2-3 shades darker than your natural skin tone. It’s a great way to create a glowing sun kissed look which is perfect for summer. Try gentle touches of bronzer to your cheekbones and forehead for a natural style.

Blush

For a makeup beginner, blush is another item to be careful with. Once you find a shade that compliments your skin, add it to the apples of your cheekbones and sweep towards your hairline. Remember that a little goes a long way and avoid applying too much.

Concealer

Concealer is a girl’s best friend when it comes to covering up an unsightly zit or reducing the appearance of dark circles. It’s a perfect way to brighten up a tired face without much effort. To choose the right concealer you must first acknowledge what it is that you’re trying to cover. A green or yellow tinted concealer will hide discolorations on the skin’s surface well, but for dark circles, a color that is 1-2 shades lighter than the rest of your complexion is ideal. To set the cover up in place, use liquid or powder foundation on top.

Mascara

Mascara is one of the best and simplest ways to draw attention to and define your eyes. It can make your lashes look darker as well as longer and thicker. If you have short or light colored lashes, this can make all the difference. There are many options that promise length, volume or a combination of both, but with great application skills, you can achieve both. Apply mascara to both the tops and bottom of lashes and wait 3-5 minutes between coats to avoid clumping. Waterproof mascaras are available and work wonders when you’re going to be exposed to weather, sweating, or water. Keep in mind that they can be difficult to remove so invest in a high quality makeup remover.

Eyeliner

Eyeliner is the best way to define the shape of the eyes. For a classic look, use a dark color like black. For a dramatic flair, use a vivid jewel tone. To make your eyes appear bigger, apply a white liner to the waterline. Another tip is to sweep a coat of your powder underneath your eyeliner to keep it from smudging or running. This creates a barrier and keeps your eyeliner in place without having to commit to those hard to remove waterproof types.

Eye Shadow

Eye shadows are the best way to enhance your eye color or have fun with different looks. They can really stand out and are many times the first thing people will notice about your makeup style. If you want to make your eye color pop, choose a color that complements them. For blue eyes, warm browns and peach tones will look the best. Green eyes tend to really stand out with oranges or purples. Brown eyes are neutral and will look great against almost any color.

Lipstick

The lipstick color you choose can be a gorgeous statement piece or a subtle complement to your complexion. It all boils down to finding a suitable shade for your skin tone. For example, olive skin tones look best with blue-based colors whereas golden skins tones tend to be accentuated by colors with warm undertones. Fair skin looks great with orange-based colors and deep skin tones look amazing in rich berry tones.

Lip Gloss

Lip gloss is a great option for ladies that prefer not to use lipstick, but still want to play up their lips. Gloss can range from clear all the way through a vast array of tints and colors. They can add natural glamour without all the fuss of lip liner and lipstick. Alternatively, try layering gloss over your lipstick for a dramatic appearance.

Neck

When applying makeup, many women forget their neck. It’s important to blend your foundation and powder all the way down to avoid a notable line. Plus, your neck tends to be lighter anyway and could use a bit of color to match your face. This is important to remember so that your makeup looks natural and not caked on.

Finishing Powder

Finishing powder is a really important and worthwhile component in any girl’s makeup kit. After applying a liquid foundation, you need something to set in in place. It’s also a great product for reducing any excess shine on your skin. It’s known to help your makeup last longer and extend coverage time.

Eyebrows

Avoid plucking them into oblivion! This is a huge mistake that makeup beginners are liable to make. In an attempt to manicure bushy eyebrows, many women take it too far. This can leave you looking permanently surprised or in worst case scenarios, eyebrow-less. Lately, trends have been moving back toward natural shapes, so pay attention to your facial shape and try to find a suitable shape for your own facial features. Use an eyebrow pencil or powder to define them or to fill in any sparse patches.

Lip Liner

A fun tip for pouty, luscious lips is to line you lips just outside their natural edge. Don’t go too far outside of it or you’ll look less sexy and more like a clown. If you do it right though, it’s a perfect way to add drama in a subtle way.

Contouring and Highlighting

Contouring and highlighting are definitely more of an advanced makeup concept. It’s a learned art and with practice, you can seriously or subtly alter your facial shape. Try using a contouring powder underneath the cheek bones, it can easily make you look like you’ve lost 5-10 pounds.

Scotch Tape Eye Stencil

Use a piece of tape placed diagonally from the corner of your eye to achieve a perfect winged eye. The tape acts as a stencil and will force straight lines and help you avoid excess eye shadow smudging. The clean lines really stand out and make your makeup look professional.

Reducing Under Eye Bags

Under eye bags and shadows can be real pests. They are difficult to cover and usually come with age or a lack of rest. The first step to avoiding this issue is getting a solid 8 hours of sleep every night. Then, place something cold over the eyelid such as cucumber slices, cold tea bags or a cold metal spoon.

Avoiding Clumpy Mascara

If mascara is one of your go-to makeup options, then it’s likely you’ve run into a clumpy mess before. Ideally, mascara should be replaced every 3-4 months for sanitary reasons and to keep it from getting dried out. To keep it fresh in between replacements, avoid pumping the wand. This forces air into the tube and can cause clumps to form. Instead, swivel the wand inside the tube for the best results. If you’re still having problems with it drying out faster, try adding 1-2 drops of Visine to your mascara. This will soften the formula and help it to go on smooth and clump-free!

Lip Exfoliation

Exfoliating your lips is a great way to keep your lipstick or gloss looking pretty. Keep your lips kissable by sloughing off the dead and dry skin that can occur, especially during cold months when lips tend to become chapped. Make a point to exfoliate once a week in order to help your lips to stay healthy and beautiful. An easy way to do this is to apply a mixture of sugar and honey and scrub it in for a few minutes.

Bigger Eyes

In many cultures, large eyes are considered more beautiful. This is because larger eyes can be a sign of higher estrogen levels which men unconsciously find attractive. With a few simple tips, it’s easy to create the illusion of big eyes without anything drastic. One way to do this is by highlighting the eye with your shadow pigments. Use light colors at the inner corner, the middle of the upper lid and just under the brow bone.

Keep Eye Shadow Vivid

A fantastic way to make the most out of vivid eye shadow colors is to give them a great, light-colored base. Use a white eyeliner and cover your entire eyelid. This creates a blank canvas that will allow those color pigments to really pop.

Eyelash Curling

Curling your eyelashes creates the ultimate length and drama to your eyes. Start curling at the base of the lashes and hold for about 10 seconds. Try this expert tip: heat your lash curler with a blow dryer for about 3-5 seconds before you use it. This works in the same way that a curling iron for your hair works – by setting the curl in the lashes and making them stay cute and curled all day!

Hopefully you enjoy these tips! Remember that makeup is a totally personal expression and you should apply it in a way that makes you feel beautiful and increases your confidence. Feel free to play around with colors and styles if you’re feeling creative.